It took over a decade of adventuring, exploring, and telling those stories to find our true mission. After the decision to leave the traditional work world behind in 2013 and set off on our own, there are three events that have really shaped our mission and purpose.
The 20 May, 2013 Moore, Oklahoma Tornado: Watching Real-Time Data and Maps Save Lives
Watching firsthand a horrific EF-5 tornado tear a deep 4-mile long gash through the heart of Moore, Oklahoma is hard to put into words. It was a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and helpless feeling watching so many people’s lives get turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Yet at the same time being so close to something that powerful was easily one of the most awe-inspiring, memorable, and incredible experiences of my life.
Getting a front row seat to watching real-time data and maps save countless lives during search and rescue efforts in the immediate aftermath of the tornado cemented the foundation of our mission. During the recovery, the outpouring of support from around the world and sense of community was nothing short of incredible. The people of Oklahoma gave us a master class in crisis and disaster response that day.
When coupled with photography, data and maps make for an incredibly powerful way to tell the story of the Moore tornado. Ever since that day, telling a story has played a significant role in our work philosophy, as well as our personal outlook.
Becoming a Global Citizen: Building Inclusive Communities Around the World
A global citizen is someone who is aware of the world and has a sense of their role in it. They are involved as members of the international community and are committed to building on this community in a meaningful and positive way. Becoming a global citizen will broaden your global perspective and allow you to bring fresh, new views back to your own community. Sharing stories through data science, maps, and photography is an incredibly powerful means to engage communities and raise awareness both at home and abroad.
As the world opens back up in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to travel to as many corners of the world as we can. Our goal is to continue to expand our own horizons as well as better engage and give back to the global and local communities. When you step across the border and look at your home country from the outside, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the good things you have, and expose societal and cultural flaws you thought were completely normal. These broader perspectives allow us to understand and respect each other on a much deeper level.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Telling the Truth in the Age of Disinformation
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic could not have been a starker contrast from the response to the Moore tornado. While the Moore tornado unified the community and the country, the lies, disinformation, and conspiracy theories that swirled around the pandemic brought out the absolute worst in everyone.
Like the Moore tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the importance of using data and maps to tell not just a story, but also the truth. During my senior year of college, I took a course in logic to fill out unused credits I needed to graduate. While that course has undoubtedly benefited my programming skills, it takes on a whole new level of urgency and meaning in today’s age of disinformation. Because when we rise up for truth and stand compassionately with our values, we truly can change the world.
That's our story. How will you tell yours.
